Bhubaneswar, 08 July (H.S.): With the water level in the Hirakud Reservoir continuing to rise due to sustained rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi basin, authorities have decided to release the season's first floodwater from the Hirakud Dam at 11:00 am on Thursday.

According to official data, the reservoir's water level reached 611.23 feet as of 9:00 am on Wednesday. The dam is currently receiving an average inflow of 2,62,755 cusecs, while 30,044 cusecs of water is being discharged to maintain the reservoir level.

As a precautionary measure, district administrations in the downstream regions have been alerted well in advance. Residents of low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant and strictly avoid entering the Mahanadi River and its tributaries during the discharge period. Authorities have also urged people to stay away from riverbanks to ensure public safety.

Officials said the volume of water released from the reservoir will be regulated based on the inflow into the dam and rainfall over the upper catchment areas in the coming days. The situation is being monitored round the clock, and decisions on opening additional sluice gates, if required, will be taken after assessing the reservoir level and prevailing weather conditions.

The annual release of excess floodwater from the Hirakud Dam is a crucial part of monsoon reservoir management, aimed at maintaining the dam's safety while minimising flood risks in downstream districts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda